FM Kotzias discussed with counterpart Dimitrov on the methodology of the talks

Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Kotzias and FYROM counterpart Nikola Dimitrov met in Thessaloniki on Thursday where they discussed ways to move forward with the name dispute, focusing on the methodology, the approach of the two parties and the framework related to the name issue, the foreign ministry said in a press release.

“The meeting was held within the framework of the established dialogue and consultations between the two countries, directed towards strengthening the transparency and mutual trust,” the ministry said, adding that the ministers agreed to take a more direct role in the talks to overcome the difference over the name.

Kotzias and Dimitrov focused on the advancement of bilateral relations and cooperation in a wider context related to the ongoing Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).

They expressed their joint expectation that at the forthcoming meeting on 17 January, UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Matthew Nimitz will table an initial framework that will be used to move the process essentially forward.

They also exchanged views with regard to confidence-building measures and other arrangements for the next meetings at a high political level between the two countries.